Jean Stapleton’s portrayal of Edith Bunker on All in the Family remains one of television’s most unforgettable characters. For nine seasons, she brought to life a woman who was sweet, naïve, and utterly devoted to her family. Stapleton, who passed away in 2013, reflected on Edith with deep affection. In an interview with the Television Academy Foundation, she described Edith as a compassionate, albeit not very bright, woman. Yet, despite her lack of formal education, Edith possessed a wisdom that was purely instinctual and a heart overflowing with love. Stapleton noted that Edith’s peculiar ways, her intuitive grasp of people, and her unshakable devotion to her husband and children made her character not only endearing but also deeply relatable.
But what many fans of Stapleton might not know is that shortly after her iconic role as Edith, she was offered another potential career-defining role: Jessica Fletcher on Murder, She Wrote. This was a golden opportunity that could have kept her on television screens for another decade, playing a character who would become a household name. However, Stapleton turned it down, and the role went to Angela Lansbury, who made Jessica Fletcher her own and became synonymous with the series.
Stapleton’s decision was not one made lightly. Having just completed nearly a decade on All in the Family, she felt she needed a break from the grind of television. The prospect of diving into another long-running series didn’t appeal to her, especially one that, in her view, lacked the “color” and creative freedom she had enjoyed playing Edith. Stapleton also sensed that the producers of Murder, She Wrote were rigid in their vision for the show, which clashed with her desire for flexibility and artistic input. This rigidity, combined with her exhaustion from her previous role, led her to pass on the opportunity.
Looking back, Stapleton had no regrets. She acknowledged that Lansbury was the perfect choice for the role, even stating that it was “quite right and perfectly cast.” Lansbury, who was seeking more TV exposure at the time, took the role and ran with it, turning Jessica Fletcher into a beloved character who would entertain audiences for twelve seasons.
The death of Edith Bunker marked the end of an era, not just for Stapleton but also for Norman Lear, the creator of All in the Family. Lear, who had based Edith on his own mother, struggled with the decision to let go of the character. Stapleton recalled a poignant conversation with Lear, where she reminded him that Edith was just a fictional character. But for Lear, Edith was more than that—she was a symbol of something deeply personal. Despite his reluctance, Lear eventually agreed, and Edith Bunker was given a quiet, dignified end.
Stapleton’s journey from Edith Bunker to the roads she didn’t take, like Jessica Fletcher, speaks volumes about the choices that shape an actor’s legacy. While she could have taken on another iconic role, she chose to step away, leaving us to wonder what could have been, yet appreciating all that was.